October 2006

October 30, 2006

A view from my sick bed. Despite my attempts to avoid being a participant in the game of crud swapping Casey and Mitch have been playing the past two months, I am officially sick. Fever, body aches, the whole nine yards. Yesterday was spent in bed. Dozing, and coughing, shivering, and sweating... all the fun stuff associated with being sick. Since I was in bed and didn't have the energy to do anything else, I pulled out my crochet/knitting bag, which by the way is a paper bag with handles from the yarn shop. You'd think I'd make myself a proper bag, but I digress. Where was I? Oh yea, I pulled out my little bag of yarn to make another stab at crocheting. I've had a lesson, purchased an instructional CD, purchased this book. I've done my research and know exactly how it is supposed to be done, getting my hands to then do it is another story. I picked up the yarn and hook, fumbled with how to hold the thread, where to put the hook, is this how it's supposed to look?!! Then I threw it down in disgust, read a little more, dozed a little more and repeated the process. I don't think I have to tell you I don't have an afghan to show and tell about today. Not a hat, not a scarf, not a little swatch. Nada. Stupid crochet!

I began the day hopeful. Hopeful that my fever was gone and I would be full of energy. At least feel like getting a little sewing done. It didn't last long. When I used to work 12 hour shifts as a nurse and had two small children to keep up with, I fantasized about entire days spent in bed. Just me and the TV, a good book, a magazine or two. Now that I am home most days, the kids are nearly grown, (notice I said nearly Alyssa) I get more rest and the idea of spending the whole day in bed doesn't have the same appeal. The day started to get a little better when I heard the mail man pull up and beep his horn. This means he has something too big to fit in the box. That made me feel a little better, then he started handing me my packages. Yes, packages, not one, but four!! Four packages. It felt like Christmas. I knew what each contained and couldn't wait to tear into them. I didn't even mind that the mail man caught me in my bathrobe with very, very bad hair. Three packages were books, maybe spending the day in bed wouldn't be so bad after all. I got a cup of tea, grabbed the pup and climbed back in bed to check out the loot. The first one I opened was my copy of The Crafter's Companion. Are those of you who don't have it yet jealous? You should be. It's wonderful. The book features seventeen talented artists (who also happen to be bloggers) Each of these crafting geniuses has contributed an original pattern and tells a little about why she crafts, what inspires her, and what her workspace is like. Get yourself a copy, you'll be glad you did.

What were the other packages? One was fabric from Superbuzzy. Delightful! And that's not all folks. About a month ago I ordered three Japanese craft books, one from Ebay, the others from Yesasia. See what I mean about inspiration overload? It's a bit of a gamble ordering books sight unseen, no description ( not one I can read anyway) with only a few pictures to go by. This time the gamble paid off.

All three are winners, full of projects I want to try. Right. This. Minute!! Oh yea, I'm sick...Sigh... Maybe after a shower and some wonton soup I'll feel a little more human. Even Toby's getting tired of this sick bed.

October 27, 2006

Sometimes these gratitude Friday posts end up being quite heavy and serious. It's not something I intend, I don't sit down with the intention of pouring my heart out but when my mind goes to all that I have to be thankful for sometimes... ok many times, I end up feeling nostalgic and emotional. Today, even though the weather outside is cool and rainy, rather dreary, I want this to be a light hearted, fun gratitude Friday. Nothing serious allowed. I'm going to sit here and concentrate on things that make me smile, things that warm my heart, things that are mischievously humorous... you get the picture. Here goes in no particular order...

the many, many private jokes I share with Mitch. He has a wickedly dry sense of humor and makes me laugh everyday. Almost everyday, unless I'm intentionally pouting and am determined not to be made laugh. Yea, it happens. It's out, I have the sense of humor of a 10 year old boy sometimes and the attitude of a 13 year old girl. I'm multidimensional, that's what I like to call it....

watching videos from when the kids where little guys. Why didn't I use that video camera more? Love taking those strolls down memory lane and I love hearing the kids laugh and make fun of our clothes and hairdos. Their time's coming.

Getting a great deal on something. I LOVE a bargain. It does my heart good to feel like I paid a fraction of the original price of something.

In that same vein, I love finding a bargain that may not seem like a bargain to others. Like finding a great mirror at a thrift store for $6.00, giving it a good coat of spray paint and ending up with a $60.00 mirror. LOVE IT!!

Chocolate Pie. Not just any chocolate pie. It must be made by the hands of an older southern lady. Likely found at church functions. Handmade crust, a yummy, creamy, smooth chocolate custard like filling and meringue topping. Heaven on earth.

While we're talking about food let me say I could eat my weight in chips and salsa.

A juicy steak cooked on the grill... time to think of something besides food

Mail, except for bills. Bills don't make me happy at all but a box in the mail is quite nice.

Denny Crane... do you watch Boston Legal? Denny is so irreverent, so unapologetic, and many times down right crude and rude, but I love him with his mad cow disease. (the 10 year old boy in me loves him) Alan is pretty funny too

We haven't done it lately, but Casey and I have competitions to see who can scare the other the most. You know, by standing inside a doorway and jumping out..BOO! I like scaring him better than the other way around. Once I waited in the hall in front of his bedroom door wearing a scary Halloween mask. He came in the door and walked straight to his room, it was dark in the hall and... well you get it. He nearly peed his pants but then recovered enough to call his dad to come look at something in his room and we got him too. Funny stuff to the 10 year old boy living inside me.

This was fun, I have a big smile on my face and don't even mind the dreary rain outside my window. When life hands you cool rainy days... go makechili. But which one?

October 26, 2006

I spend lots of time in this room. It's been the subject of previous favorite corners posts, but today I'm giving a different view, a tighter shot. Focusing on some of the paraphernalia that clutters this corner. The stuff that has become part of my everyday. Necessities if you will. I don't know if I could qualify one thing and the most important because they all work together. Of course the sewing machine is essential,but more than my scissors or cutting table? In the short time it took for me to go from timidly sticking my toe into the waters of sewing to being fully immersed I have acquired quite a bit of stuff. It has taken over this room that used to be known as the dining room. Since I do much more sewing than cooking or entertaining it seemed logical. The fabric, oh the fabric. it seems to grow and grow doesn't it? I've had to get a bigger shelf twice now to house it. I think it's time to take a look at some of what I haven't used and likely won't and find someone who will put it to use. My work table is what was my dining room table. This 5 foot cutting mat fits perfectly. I have my sewing machine at one end and use the other end for cutting. Next to the sewing machine I keep those frequently used tools close at hand. Everyone has their necessities, tools required to get the job done. Some of the tools I've found invaluable are good sharp scissors, rotary cutter (with a sharp blade) and ruler, good sewing machine needles, denim needles are a must for sewing through multiple layers. Hemostats are very useful for turning narrow things right side out. I love my pen with disappearing ink, use it daily and my little army of seam rippers...it's a love hate relationship with those guys. Fusible tape has become one of my staples. Great for putting zippers in. It adds an extra step but doesn't take long and eliminates lots of mistakes. Not really tools but necessities in my arsenal are chap-stick, my inhaler and a cup of tea. Not hot tea, ice tea without the ice. What's in your arsenal, what could you not get along without?

One more corner shot. My little shadow, he doesn't let me out of his sight. Ever. Seriously.

This is his radar look. One ear up. Notice the redness in the corner of his left eye? The vet calls it cherry eye. It looks painful but I've been assured it isn't. He suggested we have it removed, the gland not the eye, when he is six months old and goes under the knife to remove his puppy dog manhood. Shhhh don't tell him.

October 24, 2006

I listed a few of my small items in my Etsy Shop if anyone wants to do a little early Christmas shopping. Sorry for the shameless self promotion. It's notreally totally without shame. OK, I'm completely embarrassed to be asking you to check out my shop. You don't have to go if you don't want to, feel no pressure from me... see why I don't sell cars? I'm a terrible salesperson, but I'm an OK seamstress and if you're in the market for a wristlet or a travel tissue pouch with a matching keychain, I can hook a sista up.... or a brother, moms and dads welcome too.

October 22, 2006

I spent my day yesterday quietly sewing. No plans, no list, just me, some of my favorite fabric, buttons and ribbon. I began the day with good intentions but somewhere between my cup of coffee and the first load of laundry I knew my list would have to wait. As the hours quietly ticked by I knew I'd made the right decision. I've been too caught up lately with getting caught up and in the process have not really accomplished much. I'm not really behind and what I need is balance. Everyone gets a day off and I've not afforded myself that luxury in a while. Yesterday I took the day off and what did I do? Sew and clean house. Doesn't sound like much of a day off? I guess what defines a day off for me is a day to do just what I want to do. I didn't particularly want to clean house, but the recent state of my house was so disheartening to me. I was stuck in that circle of the house is a mess but I don't have time to clean it right so I'll get to it later and later it's only more of a mess...Enough!! I started Friday and had the laundry nearly done, the bathrooms got a much needed cleaning and I spent some quality time in my sewing room. It was a wonderful day. I am going to try to spend every Friday afternoon and Saturday as I would if I worked outside the home. Getting caught up on things around the house and sewing as a hobby instead of a job. I've let myself feel guilty if I'm not working on that list as long as I have someone waiting patiently for a purse they've been promised, but everyone needs a day off. I'm frequently asked when I'm going to have things available in my etsy shop and I keep saying when I get caught up. Are we ever really caught up? I've been asked to participate in a couple of local craft fairs but have declined because I didn't feel like I had the time to get anything made. What's the difference as long as I have plenty of business? I don't know. I've been trying to figure that out myself. Why do I care if I'm sewing commissioned items or items to stock my etsy shop with? I don't know the answer to that. Anyway I plan to stock the shop with these little things. Small things that make me happy. Along with the keychains, wristlets and tissue pouches I want to include more small gift type items. You know, the kind of thing you get your child's teacher. Small gifts that are special but don't cost a lot. Now I just have to take some pictures and get these guys listed. Rain, rain, go away!

And just to clarify, I don't feel like the sewing I do during the week is a job or a chore, I love it, but I let myself get wound a little too tight sometimes. I don't want anyone waiting for a purse to feel like I am stressed about it. I'm not. I'm just struggling with how to balance this working from home and just being at home and feeling alright with both.

October 20, 2006

Mitch and I that is. So alike, so different. We go together like peanut butter and jelly. Today I went thrifting and on my way out the door saw a set of tables. A round coffee table and matching end table. $15.00 for both. I've wanted a round coffee table so back inside I went and paid the lady. On the short drive home I played the conversation in my mind that would likely take place at home. The converstaion where I ask Mitch to go pick up my purchases with his truck since they wouldn't fit in my car...the grumbling that would ensue... you don't need a coffee table...what are you going to do with the one we have? As I was gearing up to defend myself I pulled into the driveway and looked back towards his garage. The garage he paints and tinkers in. I knew exactly what I would say. He buys things he doesn't need because he sees the potential. He too loves taking something others see as junk and making it beautiful, cars in his case. And when I say something others see as junk, I include myself. You have no vision, no imagination, he says. True. When he brings home a pile of metal that looks like this.

I see rust and missing parts and... junk. Just like when I bring home a pile of thrifted clothes with visions of purses...

He sees... . thrifted clothes. Someone's cast offs. So I knew when he started the grumbling about not needing, and where are we going to put it, I knew what my response would be and it made me smile. "We are one in the same. Your junk is in the form of rusty old cars, mine is in the form of second hand furniture and clothes." How alike we are. How happy it makes us to start with something no one else wants and with a little time and effort have something beautiful. I guess it would be nice to be able to afford to buy new and fancy furniture, I guess it would. I really wouldn't know and likely never will, but somehow I think the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from doing it myself is much nicer.

This gratitude Friday I'm grateful to be married to someone so like me, only different. I'm grateful for whatever it is that's in me that makes me want to, no need to create and grateful that same need lives inside my best friend.

October 18, 2006

Sometimes I worry that I sound like a broken record. Hmmm... is that phrase antiquated? Should I say like a scratched cd? Anyway I feel like all I've posted lately is purses and today is more of the same. At least I'm consistent. I'm so happy to have purses waiting to be made and I feel like I'm working at a good pace. It's been a variety of styles this week. More Machine Made Patchworks inspired bags. I used a leather strap on a couple of these. One of my favorite fellow purse makers Craft Apple posted about using saddle straps for handles. I had to do a little searching since I don't live where the West begins, but I did find saddle ties that worked wonderfully as handles. Who knew? Well, Linda knew, that's who. Thanks Miss Apple. The wonderful thing about commissioned purses is many times I end up with something I never would have designed myself. This black patchy-patchwork bag for instance. My personal taste is more neutral and understated, boring maybe. This bag is bright and cheerful and will suit its new owner perfectly. She asked for a black bag with patchwork in jewel tones. This is my interpretation. Hope she likes it. So that's what I've been up to, but what's been on my mind? As the title says, paint. Not spray paint. I'm itching for some change and not my typical quick change that involves a little fabric and some spray paint. No, my mind has been drifting to thoughts of hardwood and new wall colors, painted kitchen cabinets, slip-covered sofas. Do I have time for this? More importantly, do I have money for this? NO! That's a big fat No to both questions. The hardwood lust has been going on for quite a while. In fact 11 years ago when we were building this house I wanted hardwood throughout. The builder all but laughed at me, knowing our budget. So I had to settle for hardwood in the dining room and carpet in the other rooms. Carpet is supposed to be really bad for those with respiratory problems (me). It harbors dust mites and all sorts of other things I'd rather not think about, add to that training a new puppy. Try as I may to stay on top of things and keep an eye on him at all times, there has been the occasional accident. So hardwood has been on my mind. Now if only my mind could come up with a way to pay for hardwood. A less expensive project that's also been dancing in that head of mine involves paint (I can't be blamed for this one). How can you look at this kitchen and not want to paint? I've never been crazy about my dark wood cabinets. I know, I know... it's a sin to paint oak...bla, bla, bla... I'm just not a wood kinda girl (except when it comes to floors of course). I really want to paint them, but it's kind of like getting a tattoo. I know that I better love the color I choose because I'm going to be stuck with it for a long time. I'll paint most things on a whim, my philosophy is it's only paint, but this particular project is going to be no small undertaking involving lots of sanding and removing of doors and hardware and taping off and, and, oh my... You see now why I haven't done it yet. Oh the dreams of a crazy purse maker. I didn't even tell you about the walls I want to paint or the slipcovers I want to make. It's an exciting life I lead isn't it?

I'll leave you with this picture. Toby, guardian of the food bowl. No matter who is eating, Toby is standing by. Watching. I'm not sure if he just likes watching them eat or he's making sure they don't eat it all. I'm guessing the latter. How'd you like to eat every meal with an audience?

October 16, 2006

How do you go from being a young wife and new mom of a teeny-tiny four and a half pound baby to being the mom of a young adult in the blink of an eye? My first born is 19 years old today. I have now been a mom half my life. When I think back at how young I was and how little I knew about being a mom and a wife and life in general, it's a little frightening. Back then I was not fearful and anxious. I remember being a little nervous those first days. Nervous, but excited and head over heals in love with this tiny baby girl. From the moment I held her and felt her baby breath on my cheek I knew I was forever changed. That tiny baby girl quickly grew into a tiny toddler with so much to say. She talked long before she walked and she's been talking ever since.

October 13, 2006

It's that time again, time to pause and reflect on what it is this week, this day that I am grateful for. Here is where I may offend/alienate/turn-off some readers. I hope not but I can't let fear of what others may think of me keep me from being who I am. I am a Christian, a child of God. How can I expect God to welcome me into heaven one day if I am afraid to talk about Him with those I call friends? We've had revival at my church this week. Is that a baptist thing or a southern thing? Do folks in other parts of the country or world have revival at church? We had a visiting minister speak for three services. This is the second year Reverend Grant has preached at our church for revival. I could go on and on about the sermons he delivered and how his words touched me, but I won't. I will touch on what I took away from his message, what touched my heart and spoke directly to me. The first night he spoke about increasing our faith and knowing that this world isn't all there is. Oh, that is so hard for me. I am a Christian because I was born into a Christian family. It's all I know. The part of me that thinks I'm so smart, the nurse in me who needs a scientific answer to everything wonders how? I can't see it or imagine it, how can it be? I feel my mortality probably more than the average 38 year old. I have a disease that took my mother at 38. I fear death. That isn't something Christians are supposed to do. We are supposed to know that heaven is a far better place than this world and look forward to the day when we go there. I am not to that place yet. I have had times in my life when I questioned my faith, again that part of me who is sooo smart and sooo logical. All I have to do is remember the night I sat beside my mother's hospital bed. The night before she died. Her death was not sudden, she had been sick for a long time. She knew the end was very near when she woke up coughing up blood on the morning of May 13th 1988. Friday the 13th. Not bloody mucous, she was coughing up bright red blood and lots of it. I cannot even imagine the fear she must have had, The sadness, knowing that the crappy lungs she'd had all her life had all they could take. I remember it like it was yesterday. I sat with her in her bedroom waiting for the ambulance to arrive, not sure she would ever come home again. She did, for a week or so, but it was a steady decline from that morning until June 2 when she took her last labored breath. On the night of June 1st as I sat beside her bed, she was in a comatose state. Her oxygen level was so low she was barely alive. I sat with my eyes closed thinking and praying. It occurred to me I would probably never hear her voice again. Just as that thought came to my mind she opened her eyes for the first time in days and out of the blue with the clearest voice she said "I want hugs... I want hugs and kisses" Those are the last words I heard my mother say. I know in my heart that my prayer was heard. I know that she was so near the presence of the Lord at that moment but was granted the strength to say those words. It truly felt like I witnessed a miracle and that memory is what strengthens my faith when I feel it is weak. Just because we can't explain it scientifically doesn't mean heaven doesn't exist. There was a time when folks didn't know the earth was round. We humans aren't as smart as we seem to think we are. I am grateful this week for Reverend Grant and the words he spoke. The words that gave me more than a little to think about and even more to work on in my own life. So this gratitude Friday I want to not just say what I am grateful for but think of ways I can better show my gratitude.

I am grateful for my eyes and the ability to see and hope to use these eyes to see the good in others.

I am grateful for my hands and hope to use my hands to be of service to others instead of being so caught up in doing what I want to do.

I am grateful for my voice and hope to use my voice in a way that is kind and loving and not judgmental and demeaning.

I am grateful to have been loved and forgiven and hope to reflect that spirit of love and forgiveness.

I am grateful that I have more than I need and hope to do more to share with those who don't.

I am grateful for the ability to learn and hope to do more to teach others.

I am grateful for this life and hope that my time here will have affected someone in a positive way.

October 12, 2006

I finally had to suck it up and admit to myself I am not Wonder-woman. I never really thought I was, I just tried to act like it. Feeling completely overwhelmed by all that I needed to do and fighting the avoider inside me (when things get crazy I would rather avoid them all together, Scarlet O'Hara style...I don't want to think about that today, I'll think about it tomorrow) I asked my sister to come to my rescue. She's offered before but the control freak in me felt like it would take to long to show her what to do and I worried she wouldn't do it the way I wanted it done. I'm not a very good teacher and a terrible delegator. I'm of the mindset if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. I know this isn't true, but it's how I am. My crazy, loud, talkative, angel of a sister reported for duty early Monday morning and every morning since. She's spent most of the day with me cutting and fusing, cutting and fusing. It isn't that I thought cutting and fusing was such a difficult or specialized task, I do most things without a pattern and if I use a pattern I usually make changes. My worry was getting the info from my brain to hers, but I managed and am so glad I did. I was able to finish an order that for some reason was taking me forever. It didn't seem like that much. Two small backpacks, one larger backpack and a purse with keychains. I seriously underestimated the time it takes to make one of these backpacks. There's lots of cutting and sewing of strips and squares for the patchwork, the body of the bag is machine quilted, not pre-quited fabric, monogramming and putting it all together. Add to that the time it takes me to figure out those straps. Every.Time. Every. Single. Time. It takes me forever to figure out which end goes through what slot on the strap adjuster so that the strap is actually adjustable. Oh, my tired little brain.

I made these pencil/marker/crayon rolls to go in the small backpacks. I love making these. I've seen them on several blogs and finally got around to trying it a while back for a last minute birthday gift. I wish I had known how to make these when Alyssa was small and always needed a birthday gift for someone. They take very little fabric and very little time. Add a sketch pad and fill it with markers or colored pencils and you have a unique gift that didn't cost you much time or money.

I'm so glad to be ending the week with this on my cutting table instead of the big stack of uncut fabric that was staring at me Monday morning. Thank goodness for sisters!